William Paul Hernandez, 51, a resident of Big Bear has been arrested on suspicion of impersonating a police officer and sexually assaulting three women. (File Photo)
By G. T. Houts
Big Bear, CA – A 51-year-old Big Bear man — William Paul Hernandez — has been arrested and is accused of impersonating a police officer in order to rape at least three women, and authorities believe he may have more victims.
William Paul Hernandez (Booking Photo)
Hernandez was arrested Monday during a traffic stop in Big Bear and his residence was searched by detectives, who reportedly located evidence linking him to sexual assaults in Rancho Cucamonga and Victorville, according to a media release issued by the Sheriff’s Department.
THE ASSAULTS
The first sexual assault was reported to police on February 18 at the New Kansan Motel in the 9300 block of East Football Boulevard in Rancho Cucamonga.
A Rancho Cucamonga press advisory states that Hernandez allegedly identified himself as a police officer and threatened a woman with a handgun before raping her for several hours.
One of the sexual assaults allegedly took place in the New Kansan motel in Rancho Cucamonga. (Contributed Photo)
During the investigation of the sexual assault in Rancho Cucamonga, Victorville police received a similar report of sexual assault in which the suspect was identified as Hernandez.
Victorville authorities reported that as in the Rancho Cucamonga crime, Hernandez allegedly identified himself as a police officer and threatened a woman with a handgun before raping her.
Hernandez then reportedly ordered the unidentified woman to call a third woman to come to their location. When she arrived, Hernandez allegedly threatened and raped her as well.
THE ARREST
The alleged police impersonator was arrested on March 7 at 7:40 p.m. in Big Bear during a traffic stop, according to booking information.
Hernandez is being held on $1 million bail at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga. His first court appearance was scheduled for the Rancho Superior Court on Wednesday.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SOUGHT
Anyone with information about these crimes or who have had similar contact with Hernandez should call the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department at (909) 477-2800 or the Victorville Police Department at (760) 241-2275.
Information may also be left on the WE-TIP website.
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